Should school be a place where children go because they want to go? Yes. Should school be a place where children only go if they want to? Yes. This paper questions the way that we educate our children, taking evidence, not from a school based perspective, but from research (Rothermel 1999a) into those families who choose not to use the system…

The 2017 edition of the "Digest of Education Statistics" is the 53rd in a series of publications initiated in 1962. The "Digest" has been issued annually except for combined editions for the years 1977-78, 1983-84, and 1985-86. Its primary purpose is to provide a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field…

The 54th in a series of publications initiated in 1962, the purpose of the "Digest" is to provide a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field of education from prekindergarten through graduate school. It contains data on a variety of topics, including the number of schools and colleges, teachers, enrollments, and…

The author's parents taught her that merely "adequate" is not sufficient. The author began homeschooling halfway through her 5th-grade year partly because of this philosophy. One reason why the author's parents chose homeschooling was because of her dedication to classical piano. The author and her parents agreed that she would probably be able to…

Examines the relationship between variables found conducive to creating effective learning environments and the education experiences of children in home schools. Many variables associated with effective learning climates are embodied in the home-school setting, which seems to provide children with learning processes emphasizing interdependence,…

A survey of 808 Canadian homeschooling families representing 2,594 children examined family characteristics, academic achievement, and students' social activities. Families averaged 3.5 children. Generally, parents were well educated but had below-average incomes. Homeschooled children scored above average on standardized tests and were regularly…

This report presents data on home schooling in the state of Arkansas that covers: students withdrawn from home school; home school student count by county, district, and grade level; and home school enrollments by grade and gender. The report contains the texts of the Arkansas Code Annotated Section 6-15-501 through Section 6-15-508 Home School…

Review of research on home schooling shows evidence that home-educated children are socially, intellectually, and academically well developed. Reasons for effectiveness include natural learning, application of varied forms of discipline, adaptation to learning styles, flexible use of curricula, efficient use of time, information access, first-hand…

An industrial arts teacher explains necessity for teaching seven of his nine adopted children at home. Although his white children were well disciplined and encouraged by teachers, the East Indian, Cambodian, Hispanic, and African-American youngsters received little correction for out-of-line behavior and poor academic performance. Besides getting…

Studied the academic achievement and demographic characteristics of 20,760 home-schooled students in 11,930 families. Findings indicate the exceptionally high achievement test scores of these students, the high level of parental education for this group, relatively high income for home-school families, and the prevalence of married-couple…

Describes home schooling movement and argues home schooling is viable alternative to public education system. Discusses increase in home-schooled students applying to college, taking and performing well on college entrance exams (ACT and SAT), engaging in extracurricular activities, and succeeding in college. Addresses and refutes criticisms of…

Schools today are increasingly market driven, and public schools are competing for students with numerous other educational options. Homeschool education continues to grow rapidly as one such option. Minnesota, considered a leader in school choice, has experienced rapid growth in the incidence of home-educated children. Such growth raises…

A study examined costs, achievement, and enrollment trends of public, private, and home schools in Utah. Using a business approach to determine cost-per-pupil revealed an average cost of $4,801, rather than the $3,787 calculated using the usual formula. In educational achievement Utah students appear to perform slightly better than those in other…

The 2016 edition of the "Digest of Education Statistics" is the 52nd in a series of publications initiated in 1962. The "Digest" has been issued annually except for combined editions for the years 1977-78, 1983-84, and 1985-86. Its primary purpose is to provide a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field…

There is little empirical evidence that home-school education is as academically effective as traditional education, or that average and above-average academic achievement is sustained through high school. A sample of 110 home-schooled students (59 males, 51 females, ages 5 years 3 months to 19 years 6 months) were administered the…